In our world, acts of terrorism cause death, maiming and destruction. They also trigger deep fears. Media coverage of terrorist acts leaves people feeling insecure, frightened, and ill-at-ease. Terrorism can strike at any time, and it usually affects the innocent. This phobia can manifest itself in different ways, causing difficulties in daily life.
Reasons For This Fear
The reasons for fear of terrorism are clearly linked with the fear of mortality. When we watch coverage of incidents such as the Oklahoma bombing and 9/11, we are left feeling powerless. The steps the government takes to protect us from future acts of terrorism may soothe our anxieties, but we all know that there will still be further violence, sooner or later.
All over the world, different countries and cultures have to deal with the realities of political and religious conflicts that lead to vicious acts of cowardice.
Terrorists – Why Are They Driven To Kill?
Terrorists believe that seeking change through established channels such as political protests and legislation are futile. They seek revolution, and they believe that the end justifies the means. This mind-set produces some harsh examples of humanity. Terrorists are numb to the human suffering they cause. They believe they are working toward a higher goal. The death of their victims is seen as collateral damage – it is something they accept.
Examples Of Modern Terrorist Groups And Their Crimes
The IRA’s desire for an independent, home-ruled Ireland has drawn blood again and again. For 30 years, the IRA has attacked England, which they see as an oppressor.
Britain has been the target of many acts of terrorism by the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Car bombs and other deadly methods have been employed to send a message of hate and dissatisfaction with the status quo.
One example of IRA violence which killed citizens and drew extensive media coverage is the Docklands bombing, which took place in the South Quay area of London. Two people lost their lives when the bomb detonated. This is just one example of modern terrorism by this group.
The Oklahoma bombing also triggered the fear of terrorism in many Americans, in the years prior to 9/11. On April 19. 1995, a military militia group led by Tim McVeigh attacked a Federal building in the downtown area of Oklahoma City. This heinous crime killed 20 people. 6 children housed in an on-site daycare were murdered when the massive bomb went off. McVeigh and his accomplices were able to distance themselves from the moral implications of their actions. They believed that the people in the building deserved to die because they were employed by an “Evil Empire” – apparently this also included the innocent children who died in the daycare facility.
Much has already been written about 9/11, possibly one of the biggest triggers for the fear of terrorism, especially in North America. The riddle of 9/11, and who was reponsible, continues to confound many people. Conspiracy theories, “truthers” who don’t buy the official story, and even architects and engineers, hotly dispute the events leading to the freefall of three WTC buildings. This event causes a shift in American consciousness, creating a new wave of fear. It also triggered a war in Iraq. Many lives continue to end as a result of the carnage that began on 9/11.
Symptoms And Treatment
As you can see, there are many reasons to fear terrorism. It is a deadly response to differences in ideology and dogma. It can be of some comfort to note that the odds of being injured or killed in an act of terrorism are minute. But that is little comfort to the victims who now rest in peace, and to their grieving families and friends.
Seeking psychotherapy and counselling for this fear may allow for some release of tension and a lessening of physical symptoms. Some sufferers report panic attack symptoms such as headaches, lightheadedness, racing heartbeat, etc., when faced with triggers. Talking to a senstivie, trained mental health professional can get at the root of fears and allow for progress.
The fear of terrorists is also referred to as:
- terrorists phobias
- fear of terrorists phobia name
- phobia of terrorists
